15 Church Welcome Ideas for New Visitors

Imagine a Sunday morning at your church: the church welcome team gathers for a pre-service huddle to discuss the game plan and pray over the day. Afterward, greeters, ushers, and other team members make their way to designated spots, ready to welcome church visitors and members. 

The doors open, and in walks a variety of visitors, each with their own stories and reasons for checking out your church. There's the hesitant first-timer, eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. Close behind, a family new to the area is looking for a community to call home. In another corner, a skeptical onlooker, persuaded by a friend’s invitation, takes a cautious glance around. There’s also a familiar face; through the doors walks a long-lost member – someone seeking familiarity and support.

In the diversity of these arrivals lies a question: How can our church welcome team genuinely connect with each unique visitor? 

If you are looking for the answer to that question, you’ve come to the right place! Implementing thoughtful church welcome ideas ensures that all kinds of new visitors feel welcomed and valued. From personal greetings to innovative gifts, these ideas are designed to cater to the wide array of individuals who may come through your doors, each with their own stories, backgrounds, and expectations.

15 Creative Church Welcome Ideas

1. Offer an Alpha Class

In today’s skeptical culture, it’s crucial for your church welcome team to recognize that many visitors arrive with questions about faith. This is why I love Alpha, a parachurch organization that helps churches meet this felt need. If your church hosts an Alpha course, you can invite new visitors to attend and learn more about Christianity. 

2. Make it Fun With a Donut Wall

I admit - this idea doesn’t exclusively apply to new visitors. Even so, everyone loves a good donut, and this creative display will go a long way in your effort to welcome visitors to church. Set up your coffee station as normal, and add a delicious looking donut wall for new visitors and members alike. Everyone will thank you!

3. Hand Out Local Welcome Bags

How can you welcome church visitors and show investment into your local community at the same time? Local welcome bags are a great way to do this! Connect with local businesses for sample products, or purchase cookies and gift cards from a local coffee shop. Throw in a handwritten note from your church staff to make this church welcome idea feel even more personal!

4. Get Church Welcome Team T-shirts

It can sometimes be difficult for new visitors to sort out who they are supposed to go to with questions. Church welcome team t-shirts are a great way to help visitors identify the welcome team at your church. 

5. Hand Out Name Tags

Host a name tag Sunday once a month to encourage visitors and members alike to learn each other’s names! Set up a station by your lobby entrance where people can fill out their own name tags, and have a welcome team member oversee the station so they can welcome new visitors. 

6. Give Out Children’s Welcome Packs

Don’t forget about your youngest visitors - the kids! Give children their own welcome packs, filled with age-appropriate goodies like coloring books, crayons, and small toys, making the church visit memorable for the entire family.

7. Host a Newcomer Lunch with Your Church Welcome Team

Who doesn’t love free food? By hosting a monthly lunch specifically for new visitors, you will provide an opportunity for them to meet church leaders and members in a relaxed setting.

8. Offer First-Time Visitor Parking

Want to make your visitors feel really welcome? Reserve parking spots close to the entrance for first-time visitors, making their arrival stress-free and welcoming.

9. Show a Welcome Video

Show a short welcome video during the service that highlights church activities and how new visitors can get involved. This doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be warm and welcoming! A quick video from your lead pastor or church welcome team will do!

10. Set Up an Information Booth

Make the welcome team at church really accessible by setting up an information booth or welcome desk. Here, new visitors will be able to ask questions, learn more about the church, and sign up for newsletters or groups.

11. Create a Coffee Connect

Many churches hand out coffee before the service, but creating a designated ‘coffee connect’ after your service can go a long way – specifically for new visitors. Here, new visitors will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and casual conversation with church members after the service.

12. Send Handwritten Welcome Notes

After Sunday is over, send handwritten notes to first-time visitors thanking them for attending and inviting them back. This will add a personal touch that digital communication often lacks.

13. Welcome Church Visitors with Succulents

I have only seen one church do this before, but it is one of my favorite all-time welcome ideas for church! Give new visitors a small succulent as their welcome gift. They will be able to take home this long-lasting plant, and it will serve as a reminder of new life and of their visit!

14. Set Up a Groups Meet and Greet

One of the best ways to welcome a church visitor into community is through groups! Set up a monthly groups meet and greet in your lobby in which group leaders can directly invite new visitors to join small groups or community groups, helping them find a place where they can connect and grow.

15. Give a Gift With a Lasting Impact

Even if a visitor attends your church just once, you have a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on their life. Providing a book as a gift to first-time visitors—perhaps a thought-provoking devotional or an inspiring book about faith—can significantly encourage and nurture their faith journey. 

The Best Way to Welcome Visitors to Church 

At the end of the day, the absolute best way to welcome visitors to church is to show them you care. Ask good questions, and take time to actually listen to their stories. Make sure everyone feels seen and valued. 

While these 15 welcome ideas for church are creative and effective, never forget that hospitality is not just about how good the first-time visitor gifts are! The welcome team at church should focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere that values personal interaction and community building, ensuring that every visitor feels loved and encouraged to return.

Your Church Welcome Team Matters

It is difficult to overestimate the value of your church welcome team! Whether you're all about trying out new welcome ideas at your church or you prefer to stick to the basics, the impact is huge. 

At Breeze, we know how much your church welcome team matters, and we’re here to help! Our easy-to-use church management software will help you stay organized, follow up with new visitors, and build a healthy community! Get your free trial here!